Agriculture offers farm employees a competitive rate in comparison to other sectors and clear opportunity for career development, according to a report released this week by Federated Farmers and Rabobank.

“Attracting and retaining quality employees is becoming increasingly challenging for all employers. This report shows farmers have lifted their game in recent years and are offering employees a competitive rate in comparison to other industries,” said Federated Farmers’ president Charlie Pedersen.

“It is particularly important for dairy employers, that remuneration rates are based on responsibility rather than being fuelled by a high payout that enables, rather than requires employers to pay more in the short-term and tempts them to ‘buy’ their way out of the labour availability challenge,” Mr Pedersen said.

“Employment costs are a significant component of farm expenditure, but good quality employees are critical contributors to successful farm businesses. It is important for farmers, and all employers, to get the balance right between containing wage cost growth, paying good people a competitive remuneration, and offering them the type of career development opportunities that will see them stay for longer,” Mr Russell said.

“Rabobank is proud to be associated with Federated Farmers, who have a very strong track record of representing the interests of New Zealand's farmers, and providing high quality services and information,” Mr Russell said.

The Federated Farmers Remuneration Report has been produced from a comprehensive survey of New Zealand farm employee remuneration rates, which was conducted in August 2007.

The report is a benefit for Federated Farmer’s members and is provided through partnership of the Federation, Rabobank and ATR Fegan.

Members have received the report with the latest edition of the Federation’s Update magazine. They can also access the report on the members’ area of the Federation website www.fedfarm.org.nz or by calling 0800 327 646. Media wanting to access the report can do so by clicking here.